Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a striking claim that at least 155 Chinese citizens are fighting on behalf of Russia in the ongoing war in Ukraine. This statement, made during a press briefing, follows the capture of two Chinese nationals by Ukrainian forces earlier in the week. This is the first time Kyiv has officially alleged that China might be contributing personnel to Russia's military efforts, a move that could complicate the already tense international dynamics surrounding the conflict.
Zelensky emphasized the seriousness of the matter, saying that his government has identified the individuals by name and passport details. He stated that intelligence gathered by Ukrainian authorities suggests many more Chinese nationals are involved in the war effort. According to him, these individuals are being recruited through social media platforms, trained in Russia, provided with documentation, and then deployed to the battlefield. He further asserted that official Chinese authorities are aware of this recruitment process.
China, in response, has rejected Zelensky’s claims. A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, Lin Jian, advised all parties to adopt a measured and accurate understanding of China’s role in the conflict. Lin reiterated China’s stance that it is not a party to the Ukraine war and continues to support peaceful resolution. He stressed that Beijing has always instructed its citizens to avoid conflict zones and military involvement abroad. According to him, any Chinese nationals fighting in Ukraine are doing so independently, without state backing.
Beijing has repeatedly denied that its citizens are involved in the war, asserting that there is no factual basis to the claims. It maintains that it does not supply military aid to Russia and only engages in lawful trade, including the export of dual-use items—products that have both civilian and military applications. These include drones and computer chips, which the U.S. has said are being used by Russia to support its war machinery.
Zelensky’s remarks were reinforced by a video released on X (formerly Twitter), showing the interrogation of the two captured Chinese fighters. In the footage, the men, speaking Mandarin, described how they ended up in the conflict. One admitted it was his first combat mission and that he had never even fired a weapon before. He stated that he had been captured alongside a Russian soldier. The other detainee mentioned being part of a small group of Chinese fighters who became separated amid the chaos of battle. He said he eventually surrendered with a group of Russians and had no idea what happened to the other Chinese soldiers.
According to Zelensky, the presence of Chinese citizens on the battlefield is a deliberate escalation that threatens to widen the war. He accused Moscow of seeking to prolong the conflict by drawing in foreign fighters. The Ukrainian leader called for a firm response from the international community, particularly from the United States and its allies. In Washington, officials have labeled the reports of Chinese nationals fighting for Russia as “disturbing,” though no official verification has been provided.
Zelensky has previously accused China of indirectly supporting Russia's war by providing components that become part of Russian weaponry. He has urged Beijing to adopt a clearer and more consistent stance. Though China and Russia maintain close economic and political ties, China insists that it remains neutral in the war and is committed to peace efforts.
This latest development adds another layer of complexity to the global reaction to the conflict. Allegations about foreign fighters are not new in this war, but the mention of Chinese nationals—given China’s significant international standing and its strategic relationship with Russia—makes this a particularly sensitive issue. China’s balancing act of maintaining relations with both Russia and the West has been under increasing scrutiny, especially regarding the nature and scope of its trade with Moscow.
The story of the Chinese fighters follows another recent incident in which Ukrainian forces reportedly captured two injured North Korean soldiers fighting on Russia’s behalf in the Kursk region. While the Kremlin has yet to comment on these developments, such incidents suggest that Russia may be drawing on a wider network of foreign manpower to sustain its offensive in Ukraine.
Zelensky's insistence that Beijing is aware of and perhaps complicit in the recruitment of Chinese fighters could put further strain on international diplomacy. It raises tough questions for China about the extent of its control over its citizens abroad and whether its efforts to appear neutral are enough to convince a skeptical global audience.
As the war grinds on, Ukraine continues to seek stronger support from its allies while highlighting Russia’s increasingly desperate tactics. The appearance of foreign fighters adds to the humanitarian and geopolitical concerns already surrounding the conflict. For now, the international community is left to consider what implications these revelations might have for China’s role and for the broader trajectory of the war.
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